Some Try, Brisbys Do

Jenner

Kristy smiled as she nuzzled Justin, the tips of their whiskers touching. This moment felt so right. She wanted to stay in his arms forever.

"Ahem."

Justin and Kristy turned their heads to the council doors. There stood Jenner who watched them with one eyebrow raised. Justin quickly lowered Kristy to her feet and turned to face Jenner.

"There's something I never thought I'd see", Jenner said. "A rat and a mouse."

"Is there something wrong with that?" Kristy asked.

"No, nothing", he shrugged. "That is unless you want to lead the rats to certain death."

"What are you talking about?" Justin asked. "How would that lead us to death?"

"You're the captain of the guard. Do you honestly expect us to believe you won't be distracted? You won't shirk your duties all for a... mouse?"

"Do you have something against mice?" Kristy asked. "May I remind you, my brother was a mouse and he's the one who led us all to safety. Mr. Ages is a mouse and he's done so much to help us."

Jenner chuckled as he crossed his arms. Kristy began to feel uneasy. That chuckle was not pleasant or kind.

"It's not mice I have a problem with", Jenner said. "It's you, Kristy."

Kristy backed away from Jenner, bumping into Justin's legs. Justin put his hands on her shoulders while keeping his eyes on Jenner.

"Kristy hasn't done anything wrong", he said.

"She's just another distraction", Jenner said. "She's just like Nicodemus. Neither of them knows what's best for us."

"You're wrong", Kristy said. "Nicodemus does know what's best. You don't!"

Both male rats looked at her. Kristy stepped forward and grabbed the tuft of fur beneath Jenner's chin.

"Who are you to judge me?" she asked. "You're nobody."

"Okay, that's enough", Justin said as she pulled her back. "Kristy, let's go."

He wrapped his arm around her as they walked down the corridor. Kristy looked behind her and glared at Jenner. He raised his eye and gave an unpleasant smile.

--------------------------------

"I have to say, you're full of surprises today", Justin said.

"I know", Kristy said. "It's just this whole day."

Justin let Kristy to his room. It was considerably cozy for a rat his size. She sighed as she took a seat on his bed. It had been a long day and had exhausted Kristy. Justin took a seat beside her as he smoothed her fur back.

"You're tired, aren't you?" he asked.

She nodded. Justin kissed her forehead. He wrapped a blanket around her and got up to leave.

"Justin?"

Kristy wrapped her fingers around Justin's hand. He looked at her and sat down beside her.

"Can you stay with me?" she asked. "Please? Just until I go to sleep."

Justin raised his hand and stroked her cheek. Kristy smiled as she pressed her face into his hand. His touch was so gentle, so soft. She closed her eyes as she let the exhaustion come over her. Justin kissed her forehead and smiled.

"I love you", he whispered.

He got up and walked out of the room, letting her sleep in peace.